A MUM-of-three running 268 miles for charity has reached Darlington, as she reaches the closing stages of her challenge.

Lori Kitchin, 37, is hoping to raise £10,000 to be split between Bliss, which works to provide care and support for premature and sick babies and their families, and the Leukaemia and Cancer Fund for the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.

Bliss was chosen in celebration of Mrs Kitchin’s nephew, Matthew, and in memory of her niece, Ellie, who were born 11 and-a-half weeks early.

The charity supported the family throughout an incredibly difficult period, as Matthew spent the first six months of his life in hospital, while his twin Ellie sadly passed away.

Additionally, 2015 marks the 25th anniversary of the death of Kathryn Turner, the sister of Mrs Kitchin’s best friend.

Kathryn, who was only nine when she passed, had leukaemia, and was getting support and treatment from the Sick Children’s Hospital in Edinburgh.

Mrs Kitchin, from Kirkcaldy, said no matter how hard it might get, she had the inspiration to get her through the gruelling run.

She explained: “My nephew, Matthew, is seven now and he’s a little star.

“He still has problems; he has to take hormones every day, he has daily injections, but he takes everything in stride.

“Thinking of them and how they cope gives me the strength to get through those difficult periods.”

Mrs Kitchin expressed her gratitude to everyone who has supported her so far.

She added:

“The support has been unbelievable.

“Even the Croft Hotel, where I’m staying in Darlington, donated the overnight stay and have been fantastic.”

Mrs Kitchin has so far raised more than £8,500.

Fundraising details can be found at virginmoneygiving.com/team/lorihometohomechallenge